CAPE ELIZABETH – David Ellsworth Sanford passed away peacefully at the age of 87 on Feb. 13, 2022, surrounded and held by the love and laughter of his family.

Born Jan. 30, 1935, in Boston, to John and Clarissa Sanford (Horton), David spent his life dedicated to learning, education, and counseling. He obtained a bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University and continued his education at UC Berkeley where he received his master’s in education. Next, he earned his doctorate from The Johns Hopkins University in Affective Education and Learning.

For many years, David taught 6th graders using the innovative approaches to learning he had developed. Later, he was a professor of education at New Paltz College in the NYU system, and then at the University of Illinois where he was a professor of Creativity in Teacher Education. His love of learning permeated his entire life, and he was voted best professor by his students more than once.

In the 1980s, David received a master’s in Social Work and Counseling and changed professions to become a marriage and family therapist. He moved his work (and family) from Springfield, Ill. to Southern Maine to open a private practice for couples. For more than 15 years, he contributed a popular weekly column for the Maine Sunday Telegram called “Marriage Matters” (later changed to “Promising Partnerships”). Letters from grateful readers were posted regularly on the family fridge.

Dr. Sanford (affectionately known as “Dr. Wisdom” to his family) also wrote several books, including a young adult novel called “My Village, My World,” and a five-book series for couples about the skills and practices of learning how to love (the book series can be found on Amazon). During his later years, David developed a website committed to his mission to “Build a Loving World Now.”

David’s spiritual life was also deeply important to him. He was a long-time student of Buddhism, Sufi and Christian mysticism, a daily meditator, and a beloved member of Green Memorial AME Zion Church in Portland.

His devotion to his work and his seemingly endless stamina in the face of the physical challenges of the past few years is to be admired. With the limitations of a stroke, he was teaching himself to read and had an appointment to practice his Spanish scheduled for the day after he died. At their second home of 15 years in San Miguel, Mexico, David and Joyce were warmly embraced by the local community.

David’s interests were broad and deep. He loved international travel adventures, long walks in nature with his camera, kayaking in the ocean and listening to world music. He spent his life collecting and categorizing jazz records and could be found scatting along to the tunes blissfully at the breakfast table.

Of all his accomplishments, David was most proud of his large family, which included wife Joyce Wilson-Sanford, and their combined family of five children: Joshua Sanford, Ethan Sanford, Kayla Sanford, Devin Wilson, and Megan Jo Wilson. They carry his quirks, his wisdom, and his commitment to living a life of purpose and adventure. Above all they carry his legacy of love.

He will be remembered and celebrated by, wife Joyce Wilson-Sanford of Cape Elizabeth; children Josh Sanford (wife Leesa Schandel) of Walla Walla, Wash.; Ethan Sanford (wife Annette Olson and daughters, Isabelle and Stella) of Santa Cruz, Calif.; Kayla Sanford (husband Scott Nasello and son, Lucca) of Portland, Ore.; Devin Wilson (wife Augusta Papp and daughter, Florence) of Cape Elizabeth; Megan Wilson (partner Matt Day and children, Cal, Finn and Issa) of Cape Elizabeth; brother, Philipp Sanford (late wife Romie Sanford) of Walpole, Mass.; nephews John Sanford (wife Cara Sanford) of Lancaster, Mass., and Eric Sanford (wife Jackie Somes) of Cotati, Calif.

Condolences may be expressed online at: http://www.hobbsfuneralhome.com.

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